Xterra Farragut - TriathlonOther

Water temp was never published, several estimates were under 50 degrees. Race direction cut swim from 2 laps to 1 due to concern. Easily coldest I have ever swam in, put in a couple hundred meter warm up , not sure warm up was correct statement, basically got my mind adjusted to the pain in my forehead from the cold. Beach start, not too crowded so I went for the staightest line to the first buoy, so did every one else, plenty of combat getting out there, took a goggle hit but recovered ok. Lanes opened up getting to 2nd buoy, last leg into shore was uneventful.

Not much, executed good considering conditions and shortened swim.

Getting to T1 is long and unique. From beach you run up 3 flights stairs and trail up to field and another 1/8 mile run to transition cage. I put on Keens at beach to keep feet off gravel, rocks, etc. Once in cage, took forever to get on socks and mtn bike shoes, slowest T1 ever, still thawing out from swim. No problems otherwise.

I was excited to get on the bike, single track right away. Followed someone in my AG for a while but did not want to redline trying hang with him so early, basically he had me covered and rode off. The course was fun with some technical sections and a tad slippery surface, wish I had more aggressive tire, the dry fast Hutchinson Cobra's were spinning over roots and some damp stuff. Half way into the first lap it was difficult to drink, seemed like no place to 'rest' on the bike while moving. By the end of lap 1 fatigue was on me and some worry about how I would feel by the end of the ride. Kept at it and seemed to be riding with a few racers with similar pace, followed someone for a while but was pushing to keep in touch, next thing I knew my groin muscles from pelvis to knee cramped. Panic set in, never experienced this to the degree I was suffering. At this point I was out of drink and was not sure I could make it to the aid at 3/4 lap. The cramping eased and came off and on but I was able to keep moving, although way off pace. Did arrive to aid point - had a decision to make, sip and ride/walk or guzzle the whole 22oz gatoraid endurance, I guzzled knowing that my stomach might blow but the shortage of salt/sugar was killing my thighs so I took the risk. Soldiered on to finish lap 2 to end of ride, gut was miserable but held and cramping eased - race saved or so I thought - see run.

Dial in method to get down all nutrition on bike.

Quick enough considering how I felt

Right away you drop to the beach, virtually down sliding - my quads were hammered and were showing symptoms of cramping again. Pace was way off but felt fair. About 5k there was some elevation gain that I walked to keep the legs under control but soon came upon decent back down hill. I opened it up a bit to take advantage and next thing I knew my left hamstring and right quad cramped solid - almost fell to the ground. I looked like a robot shorting out, totally crazy, everyone I passed during the previous kilometer came by as I stood there grimacing. I minute or 2 passed and was able to get moving. My run gait was wrecked, nothing was working correctly. At this point jog/walked my way in with random bouts of cramping. Took as much aid as possible at last station hoping it would get me near normal looking so I could finish the run on 2 feet - it worked.

Get enough nutrition on bike

Gatoraid


Experience, took nutrition needs lightly and paid the price


What an experience, had a lot of fun. Ultimately performed nowhere near my potential but I will keep trying Xterra's until I figure it out.